Kia Sorento Complaints

10,397 consumer complaints on file.

#11689670September 25, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle: 2019 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] at Incident: 171,800 Description of Incident: On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, my 2019 Kia Sorento experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure while in motion. I was driving with my two children at approximately 60 mph on Highway 111, a major highway in Palm Springs, CA. Without any warning whatsoever, no dashboard lights, sounds, or symptoms, the engine failed and the vehicle immediately lost all power. The gas pedal became completely unresponsive, and I was left to coast from highway speeds down to a natural stop. My safety and the safety of my children were severely at risk. Being in a vehicle that is unable to accelerate or even maintain speed on a major highway creates an immediate and extreme hazard for being rear-ended by other traffic moving at 60+ mph. We were a vulnerable, slow-moving obstacle with no ability to power ourselves out of a dangerous situation. The vehicle was towed to the Palm Springs Kia dealership in Cathedral City, California, where it was inspected by their service department. A certified Kia technician confirmed the cause of failure was a cracked engine valve, requiring a full engine replacement. I am the original owner of this vehicle and have a complete and documented history of performing all scheduled maintenance. This incident represents a severe safety defect, as a sudden loss of motive power in traffic places the vehicle occupants and surrounding drivers at high risk of a serious collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689313September 24, 2025
ENGINE
While driving the vehicle started making loud engine noises. Contacted the extended warranty department and got the car in the shop. The engine had blown and had metal in the oil pan and oil filter. The car had a fresh oil change and showed to have a clean maintenance history. Just purchased the car a month prior. Warranty covered the replacement of the motor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689440September 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact used a portable diagnostic machine and retrieved DTC: C1613,C1205, C1206, C1207, C1208, C1210 and C1211. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689528September 24, 2025
ENGINE
The intake valve cam Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Sprocket pin wasn't properly seated in the phaser and worked its way out. Additionally, the corresponding hole in the camshaft was machined too deep, allowing the pin to completely depart the phaser and move into the camshaft. This resulted in no control over valve timing and the Bank 2 camshaft over-advancing the intake valves to 63 degrees from standard. This is under-engineering of critical engine parts and poor quality control by Kia. It caused the engine to go into "limp home mode" with a significant reduction in power and a flashing check engine light. Had this happened towing a trailer, or in poor driving conditions, the vehicle may have been difficult to control and put occupants in danger. The pin was found completely inside the camshaft. There seems to be low quality engineering with this manufacturer, as there are many reports of these known problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689589September 24, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I came to this website because it was suggested to me to look for a recall. While there is an active recall with my car, the interesting part to me is the fact that the issues I'm having with my car match a recall for the same model as mine, just a different spec. To me that seems odd, I'd have the same type issues... I was wondering how to get this examined.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689500September 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While I was driving on an interstate road(with no vehicles around) the sun roof of my 2023 Kia Sorento exploded and the glass completely shattered and caused pieces of the broken glass to fly off. Thankfully I had the visor up so none of the glass fell onto me, otherwise myself and my two kids (3 year old and 6 month old) could have gotten seriously injured. With nearly 80% of the glass sunroof panel above the driver area popping off, that much glass falling onto me could have caused a serious distraction and caused me to run into another vehicle or lose control of the vehicle. At the time the sunroof shattered, there was nobody on the road or any external debris that could have caused the sunroof to shatter like that. I suddenly head a loud explosion that sounded almost like a shotgun being shot and was instantly startled, and when I realized we were all okay in the vehicle I heard the sound of glass sliding off the roof of my Sorento. I then began to see chunks of glass falling on the road behind me which posed as a risk to other vehicles that were behind me and caused other drivers to swerve to avoid being hit by the glass. Since this has happened, I have contacted Kia and taken it in to my local service department. The service manager (when he inspected the sunroof) stated the glass is tempered glass and should not explode when cracked or shattered. Other reports of this exact issue is prevalent online and poses a great risk to consumers, families, and other drivers on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689110September 23, 2025
ENGINE
My engine has started to burn excessive amounts of oil causing the oil light to flash. I took the car to the dealership and was told that it is a known defect in the engine and that if the car has over 100,000 miles they would recommend getting rid of the car because it could not be fixed and did not qualify for a new engine like they were putting in older models. The dealership said that they had told 9 other families the same thing as me in the last 2 weeks. Apparently the oil flows back into the combustion chamber and ruins the engine and there is no way for the dealership to know until a warning light comes on. Hard to believe since they know there is a major defect in the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689179September 23, 2025
ENGINE
I am receiving an engine problem on uvo. I took it to autozone to run a diagnostic test and states cam sensor engine problem. It is using excessive oil. I keep my engine oil changed consistently on time. It is not making it to the next oil change date before I have to add oil. This is my main source of transportation and I am on social security and cannot afford engine failure repair. This should not be happening since I have my oil changed consistently. Please advise.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689181September 23, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that three days after purchasing the vehicle, the contact checked the oil level and noticed that the oil level was two quarts low. The contact checked the oil constantly after one thousand miles and noticed that the oil level was low. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. Most recently, while the contact was driving at slow speeds, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was attempting to overtake a US Postal Service truck when the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with knock sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689184September 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to immediately respond. Additionally, the “Battery Failure” and check engine warning lights were illuminated in red. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688792September 22, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Lighting and/ or electrical. When using the auto headlight switch, all lights will come on randomly and periodically and stay on until you notice them or they ware down your battery. This is something that could be checked out by dealer and I will ask about it. So, for now, I do not use the auto headlight switch. My other problem is a glass issue. For no apparent reason, when I shut my driver side door a few weeks ago. My entire rear window shattered into pieces. There were no signs of damage to the rear window. Happened in my drive way. But, it could have happened anywhere. Filed a insurance claim and had the rear window replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688916September 22, 2025
ENGINE
On July 25th when I started my car , 2017 Kia Sorento, to leave work, it made a horrible knocking noise when it was starting, but once it started the noise stopped, no alert lights came on, so I drove it home 7 miles and parked it for the weekend. When my husband and I took it out again on Monday, July 28th, we had driven under 10 miles and gotten up to 70 miles an hour on the toll/express road, the check engine light started flashing as the power produced by the engine drastically declined and acceleration seemed capped or limited. We were able to safely exit the toll road without causing or being involved in an accident. We drove it 6 more miles home and parked it. A week later we had it toed to a Kia mechanic who confirmed that the engine had been using oil, had metal shavings in the oil and the rod bearing had failed. The engine would have to be replaced. Once the engine was replaced, it was determined that the turbo had also failed on the impeller side and would have to be replaced. We did not take it to a dealer. We had both components replaced by a Kia mechanic at our own cost.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688987September 22, 2025
ENGINE
Crankshaft position sensors, codes P0018. Car does not get up to speed, knocking and rattling sounds heard. Oil is correct fullness, was changed less than 1,000 miles ago, O2 sensor changed 2 weeks ago, but car continues to have new codes and more issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688811September 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
2022 Kia Sorento LX started off with rpm acceleration randomly. It progress and started happening multiple times during a ride. Took it to Jake Sweeney Kia dealership, they were not able to pick up on any codes. They said they tried a flight recording and couldn’t record data, but not even 15 minutes off the lot the symptoms proceeded. Now the vehicle is trying to shift gears while in drive. I’ve provided videos and the dealership responded back and said, “After speaking with my manager about this situation I can't really do too much until it becomes a constant issue. I know that isn't what you want to hear but at this time without a check engine light or it happening all the time there isn't much I can accomplish for you.” Not only is this a safety hazard for myself and my child this is negligence on Kia and Jake Sweeney Kia Florence.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688779September 21, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
It’s been a month since I did an oil change. However, while I was driving the car, I heard a noise like the engine had no oil in it. I stopped and after 15 minutes I checked the engine for oil when I discovered that the engine was empty. I then checked for a leak and there is no leak detected. I took it to a Valvoline to get an oil change. This is when I discovered that the engine is burning the oil. This is most likely to happen due to a manufacturing problem. I am submitting this complaint and would like to have an investigation done on that matter because it is a safety concern when a car keeps burning oil without any leak detection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688650September 20, 2025
ENGINE
My 2020 Sorento has ALWAYS had regular maintenance , very well taken care of. Started using oil around 80,000 miles, around 98,500 it misfired while driving to work and we were told it was the coil pack and spark plugs needing changed. Ran good for 3 1/2 weeks and we had to change another spark plug. Was told this was “ normal” 1 month later and I’m stuck on the side of the road broken down with no power cause the engine quit. By that time we were over 100,000 so Kia said they wouldn’t cover it. Paid to have a new engine put in. Seems like this is a going thing for this make and model. It needs a recall ASAP. It put us in a terrible financial crisis as it was our only vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688542September 19, 2025
ENGINE
My KIA, engine just died. I was at a stop light, the light turned green I pressed on the accelerator to go and at the middle of the intersection the engine died. Not certain what had happened or why the engine would die. After a week I had the vehicle towed to a car shop. The same shop that had just done a maintenance on the vehicle in July 2025. I have attached the copy of receipt from the work that the shop had done. When they looked at it they thought at first it was the key fob, so a new key fob was done, it still did not start. Then it was thought to believe it was the starter, so a new starter was installed, vehicle still did not start. At that time I was advised that it was the engine that had siezed. My complaint is that there was no warning signs or signals in the vehicle of anything mechanical going wrong or needing any kind of attention. No warning light displayed on the dash. I drove the vehicle not knowing why would my engine just die, my miles is between 175,000 - 178,000 so the last thing I would think to happen is my engine siezing up on me. Warning lights give you something needs to be looked at and figured out. But as a safety you get nothing displayed then your engines just dies, anything could happen when you are in the middle of traffic, highway or even if it was in the middle of the train tracks. I had spoken to KIA Dealer Service and he advised my vehicle does not have an engine recall but there were a recall in the past for engines such as mine. The KIA Dealer Service advised that they would have to do an inspection, at a cost of $270.00 dollars, and unfortunately it would have to be towed. Advised me that if I wanted to get a new engine it would cost $12,000.00. The vehicle is available for inspection just need to be towed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688202September 18, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
On passenger side interior between glove box and dashboard, there is a textured, metallic trim plate that during a sunny mid day, casts a reflection on the passenger side window over the top of the where the passenger side rear view mirror is.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688229September 18, 2025
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE
Hey I’ve Recently Wrecked My Vehicle Due To Malfunctions This Year Just A Few Months Ago & I Reported It To The Dealer Before I Crashed It. That Something Was Wrong With The Engine And Also Sent The Dealership I Purchased It From Videos Before Hand But Nobody Would Listen To Me. Now My Car Is Sitting In A lot Engine Blowed And I Can’t Afford Another One. I Have Proof , Names And Also Couldn’t Get My Car Fixed Because I Only Had Liability Insurance Only. No Report Was Filed Because Me And The Other Vehicle Was Transported To Uab Hospital.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11688125September 18, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious transmission defect in my 2022 Kia Sorento. The vehicle frequently hesitates, stalls, and at times fails to accelerate properly, creating a dangerous situation when driving in traffic, merging, or crossing intersections. This poses a direct safety hazard to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. I brought the vehicle to Mark Kia Service in Scottsdale, AZ. The dealership acknowledged that the transmission issue is a known defect in this model. However, they refused to repair the problem unless they could “replicate” the malfunction during their testing. Because the issue is intermittent, it does not always occur on demand, leaving me without any repair or resolution despite the safety risk. This policy effectively forces consumers to continue driving unsafe vehicles. I have already experienced several close calls where the vehicle’s hesitation and lack of response nearly caused an accident. The defect is widely reported among other owners of the 2022 Sorento, yet Kia and its dealerships are failing to provide adequate remedies under warranty. I am submitting this complaint to request an investigation into Kia’s handling of this matter. The failure to repair a known transmission defect, despite documented safety risks, places drivers and the public in harm’s way. A recall or mandatory corrective action should be considered to ensure consumer safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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